What aberration occurs when a lens disperses white light into its component colors?

The phenomenon that occurs when a lens disperses white light into its component colors is known as chromatic aberration. This effect arises because different wavelengths (colors) of light are refracted by different amounts when passing through the lens material. As a result, the colors do not converge at the same point, leading to a blurring of images and visible color fringes around objects.

Chromatic aberration primarily affects the sharpness and clarity of images, particularly in photographs or through optical devices like telescopes and microscopes. Unlike other types of aberrations, which may distort the shape of images or create a softening effect, chromatic aberration specifically concerns the separation of colors due to refraction, making it distinct in its characteristics and impact on optics.

This understanding of chromatic aberration is crucial for optical design and photography, where minimizing this effect can greatly enhance image quality.